Question

How does the research at Rakhigarhi contribute to understanding of ancient civilizations?

Answer 1

The research at Rakhigarhi contributes to the understanding of ancient civilizations by providing direct evidence of the Harappan people's genetic continuity over thousands of years. It has helped in:

• Identifying the Harappans as the indigenous people of South Asia.
• Tracing the continuity of Harappan genetic roots dating back to 10,000 BCE.
• Providing insights into how cultural and genetic traits were passed down, influencing modern populations.

Answer 2

The research at Rakhigarhi redefines our understanding of genetic history in South Asia by:

• Showing that the genetic roots of modern South Asians trace back to the Harappans.
• Demonstrating that there was no large-scale break in genetic history, contrary to earlier assumptions about Aryan migration.
• Indicating that Harappan genes gradually spread across Iran and Central Asia as people moved, but their genetic legacy continued in the Indian subcontinent.

Answer 3

Extracting and analyzing DNA from the remains at Rakhigarhi is significant because it:

• Provides direct genetic evidence that the Harappans are the ancestors of present-day South Asians.
• Helps trace the continuity of genes from the Harappan period, contradicting the idea of a discontinuous genetic history.
• Reveals the interconnectedness between ancient Harappan people and modern populations, offering insights into early migration and settlement patterns.